Week 8 Preview - S. Jackson OUT

Sunday, Oct 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm ET

Well, it's Sunday morning and kickoff is in 2 hours. Here's some of things I'll be watching for today in no particular order.

Steven Jackson - IS OUT TODAY. I have him in 2 leagues and would love to be able to play him this week. Gotta find a replacement. :-(

Winslow will be out this week.

Even with all the talent at WR, I like Jason Witten today. Brad Johnson's ability to go downfield is suspect and Witten knows how to get open. Is there any chance that Jessica Simpson could hook up Brad Johnson with one of her celebrity friends? Maybe that's what it would take for Johnson to up his play.

In Miami, Ronnie Brown and Anthony Fasano seem to top most of the consensus sites' Sit lists. I have to admit that I don't like either here (even though I have Fasano and no other TE to replace him with).

Washington takes on Detroit and that means the offensive studs should have a big day. Clinton Portis will have a big day, and the rest of the cast are starters as well.

Watch Lee Evans today against Miami. Trent Edwards should hook up with Evans to the delight of fantasy owners.

Marques Colston should benefit with the loss of Reggie Bush. Even though he hasn't produced yet for owners, this week should change that. I actually like Lance Moore here even better.

Matt Cassel had a great game last week, so does this mean he's a starter? Let's wait until this weekend to answer that. If he can come through, Moss and Welker will be the beneficiaries.

Thomas Jones should go wild today and sees his first #2 ranking on the Nerd. Kansas City gives up a whopping 195.5 yards on the ground so Jones should see a lot of yards. Favre should be slinging the ball around the field and the NYJ Defense should clamp down KC.

Fans in Philadelphia should rejoice. Kevin Curtis makes his return and will give McNabb another option to rookie DeSean Jackson. Oh yea, and Brian Westbrook is back!

LaDainian Tomlinson has been asking for more touches but I don't think he's going to have a monster game. He went #1 in most drafts, so you have to start him anyway, but temper your expectations.

Chris Chambers most likely won't play today, so Philip Rivers will have to spread the ball around to the rest of the cast.

On paper, JaMarcus Russell should have a decent game today against a Baltimore defense that has given up 546 yards through the air the previous two games. The experts don't think so however as Russell falls into the 28th position among QB's.

If you own Willis McGahee, today will be fun to watch. As long as he gets his carries, he should produce for you.

Jake Delhomme (#4 Week 8 Ranking) should be in the US Air Force because he's going to be dropping bombs all day against the Cardinals. Muhsin Muhammad (#23) and Steve Smith (his first #1 Nerd ranking!!) will spread out the field and Delhomme should be able to take his pick.

I have Jamal Lewis in my Stinky Tee Experts League and will be starting him again this week. I think the Browns will try to keep the game on the ground and Lewis will get plenty of touches.

Lewis could have a good day, but on the other side, Maurice Jones-Drew should have an even better game. The Browns can slow David Garrard through the air, but they'll have a much more difficult time slowing down MJD (ranked #10).

Santonio Holmes - won't be playing so put him on the pines.

Big Ben most likely won't be putting up numbers like in the past against a tough Giants D and that's why you'll see him ranked #12 among QB's this week. Willie Parker is out, but Moore is a suitable alternative again.

Frank Gore on paper looks like he could have a great time today. Most of the experts are pretty sour on the 49'ers, however I think with new coach Mike Singletary, the Niners will come out with something to prove and show the experts wrong. Just my opinion.

Turner the Burner will most likely fizzle this week against the Eagles who are guaranteed to be prepared for him.

I have a hard time believing Edgerrin James will have even a modest game today. Not against the Panthers D that will be shutting him down. Yes - they're that good.

Eli Manning's fall to #18 this week is indicative of the tough matchup he has this week. Plaxico's value is lower than normal as well, along with his pocketbook as the NFL continues to rack up fines against him.

Eli's brother isn't expected to produce much this week either but should fare better than Eli. Peyton is ranked #16 this week with experts predicting more turnovers. Sh*t rolls down hill and Harrison and Wayne won't benefit from Peyton's poor play.

Jeff Garcia should have a big day today. He's got at least 1 TD in every game he's played in this year and the Cowboys give up a decent amount of points to opposing QB's.

Joey Galloway is expected to play today, and he should have a big game.

Good luck today to all!